I started posting on HowieinSeattle in 11/04, following progressive American politics in the spirit of Howard Dean's effort to "Take Our Country Back." I decided to follow my heart and posted on seattleforbarackobama from 2/07 to 11/08.--"Howie Martin is the Abe Linkin' of progressive Seattle."--Michael Hood.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

REDMOND — The state Senate has moved to protect parking spaces for the charging of electric cars, but a statewide initiative will be needed to force criminal background checks on those purchasing firearms at gun shows or in private sales, a crowd at Redmond City Hall learned Saturday from 48th District legislators.
“I am not a fan of initiatives, (but) this may be something that needs to happen that way,” said influential State Rep. Ross Hunter, D-48.
The packed house was because of the appearance of renegade Democratic state Sen. Rodney Tom, who has combined with the upper chamber’s Republicans to form a conservative coalition.
But it was in the Democratic-run House that legislation requiring background checks for gun purchasers died last week, even as the Colorado Legislature gave approval to a similar bill.
“We had a major disappointment in the House Wednesday when we tried a pretty reasonable approach on background checks,” said Hunter. The measure ended up two votes short of the 50 needed for passage: There are 54 Democrats in the House. MORE...